What’s a GenCon? GenCon is short for Geneva Convention, the original name (and location, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin) of what is now the largest tabletop-game convention in North America. It is now in Indiana, Indianapolis every year. It was established in 1968 by Gary Gygax, who would go on to create Dungeons & Dragons. Last year there were over 60,000 attendants. This year is their 50th Anniversary, GenCon50. What have we signed ourselves up for?

But there it is, and here we are, four days ‘til GenCon and we are darn excited. There will be five of us, in my van, driving the 8-9 hour drive, staying together in some hotel, and heading to the Con-to-end-all-Cons each day. We have the privilege of attending the Trade Day on the 16th making this a 5-day convention for us, 4 days for noobs and casuals. Just kidding.

I don’t know quite what to expect. First timer. But we will post pictures and I am sure I will have some stories for the blog after we return. I am excited to check out a few new upcoming games such as Photosynthesis, Down Force, Viral, Crossfire, etc. I am excited to possibly get a bunch of sweet, sweet swag (Stuff We All Get) and game promos. I am hoping to meet some Game Designers and Publishers and ask them some questions. I am planning to attend a handful of interesting seminars. I am stoked about travelling with a group of people that I love and am blessed to get to work with. I am going to bring a prototype game of my own design or two to try out with roomies. And to be perfectly honest, a week with my lovely wife and no children might be the most exciting part of this whole trip. GenCon50 feels like a game of Coup, with ten coins, Contessa and the Assassin in hand. I can’t possibly lose.